Best Irish Bars In Los Angeles

March 17, 2016 5:20 AM

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Whether or not it’s St. Patrick’s Day, a great Irish bar is always needed. Luckily for us Angelenos, there are plenty of great options. But, what are the best? We’ve gone to all of them and this is our official list of the best of the best.

Originally built and opened in 1916 as a general store and a Turkish bath house of all things, the space has come a long way. But, it wasn’t until 1969 when Casey’s Irish Pub opened, and then became part of the 213 Hospitality Group by 2007. As a downtown fixture with wood booths, tin ceilings, classic Irish food, plenty of whiskeys to choose from, and tons of beer to drink, its a classic Irish pub that is a must visit. The pub, which is set underground, is actually set in one of downtown LA’s only single story buildings, and offers food by day, and offers a great drinking spot at night. The full bar, which offers different varieties of whiskey, is accompanied by a food menu offering both traditional Irish dishes as well as sports-bar staples like wings, burgers and sandwiches. Aside from that, there is a great outdoor patio, a dart room, billiards, ping pong, many TV’s and several rooms for private parties. Live entertainment, including musical performances trivia night, and comedy routine is also common here.

This time-tested Irish pub has certainly stood the test of time throughout the years. Going through multiple renovations, owners, and more, it remains one of the best Irish bars in the city for its authentic Celtic charm and decor, tasty Irish coffee, multiple beers to choose from and much more. And, when you get hungry, they have a great Irish-themed menu, which includes everything from fish and chips, and a delicious shepherd’s pie with lamb, carrots, celery and more, to corned beef and cabbage and a burger.

Located in the cozy downtown area of Long Beach directly across from the Long Beach Convention center, The Auld Dubliner pour a bevy of pints of beer throughout the year to its customers. Aside from the once-and-a-while celebrity appearance (Bono has made an appearance), locals love this Irish bar for its huge selection of Irish whiskeys, and ones from elsewhere like Canada, Tennnessee, and elsewhere. Addditioanlly, the beer selection is plentiful. IPA’s, Pale Ale’s, as well as domestic and international beer are on tap, or by the bottle. Inside, the decor will remind you of a great bar you might find in the center of Dublin as well.

The Valley holds one of the best Irish bars in the city in Ireland’s 32. Van Nuys’ favorite Irish bar offers up the kind of warmth and authentic decor and setting you would find across the pond. With Guinness, Harp, Smithwick’s, Blue Moon and Newcastle on draft, as well as ciders, and other drinks, you won’t be at a loss of what to order here. And, to make it a bit more interesting, the bar offers karaoke every Sunday and Tuesday night. Opened 50 years ago, it’s definitely a dive bar, but that’s part of the charm of this Irish pub.

Situated on Main Street in Santa Monica, Finn McCool’s is a staple in the neighborhood. That is not an easy feat either with all of the competition from newer restaurants and bars popping up all the time. But, Finn McCool’s is a favorite. The bar also offers much more than just beer, whiskey, and other cocktails reminiscent of Ireland. Within the bar/restauarnt that will make you feel like you’re really in Ireland, you can order sandwiches, sliders, burgers, appetizers, soups and salads and much more. But, the real draw here is the traditional Irish fare. From a Guinness beef stew, made with Guinness, parsnips, carrots & rutabagas to their fish and chips, Shepherds Pie and corned beef & cabbage, you’ll be in great hands here.

Main Street in Santa Monica is one popular location for Irish bars. Aside from Finn McCool’s which also sits on the same street, Obrien’s is another favorite Irish pub. Frequented by locals and non locals alike, the pub is open from 12pm to 2am and offers a great happy hour too. Aside from a bevy of beer, including Guinness, and other beers and cocktails, they also offer live entertainment almost every night of the week. Make sure to check their calendar for the full lineup!